08-23-05 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Walls stated that sustaining the long-term viability of the Hall and being a good partner with the community are two (2) of his key priorities. The "Play it Smart" program at Clay High School has worked well and he would like to get the program into more schools. There are issues with the gift shop; and he anticipates that they will have on-line sales in the near future. A photographic archives for revenue purposes is being developed. He has ten (10) full-time employees and fifteen (15) part-time employees; and 132 volunteers with this number being the one he would like to double. Mr. Walls stated that they are working on a TV show which will air later this year on ESPN. A new website is being developed and they are moving ahead full-steam. Dr. Varner thanked Mr. Walls for the sharing of information, but noted that the city heard positive reports from Host Communications in the past. He then gave Mr. Walls a copy of a letter which he had sent to former Director Bernie Feeney. Dr. Varner noted that the Council is not bound to fund the operation as proposed by the Administration. He stated that he does not fault Mr. Walls efforts, however he believes that there must be a serious reduction in funding from the city, especially if there are only 4,000 people who pay the full-rate to attend the Hall. Dr. Varner noted that the citizens were promised that the Hall would be self-sustaining and that there would be no city dollars needed to fund its operations. He wished Mr. Walls the best, however he noted that he does not know the status of the interim agreement. He stated that he would like another reduction this year. Mr. Walls stated that people do not understand the attendance numbers and the financial structure of the Hall. He stated that 2/3 of the people who visit the Hall come from outside the community. He stated that negative reports in the newspaper do not help, and he believes that we need to maintain a positive outlook. He intends to work to make the Hall as viable as possible,noting that they will be changing the marketing company. Mayor Luecke stated that he appreciates Dr. Varner's remarks. He believes that Rick will be a better manager than Bernie and that both of them are great promoters. He added that the new Foundation President brings a different approach and hopefully it will have more productive efforts. Council Member Kelly stated that he is probably closer to the Hall than any other Council Member. He stated that he is impressed with what Rick Walls has done so far and he is looking forward to having him execute the plans he has outlined. Council Member Kelly stated that there have been some honest mistakes early on,but the Hall is beautiful and there are lots of new ideas to make it a success. Dr. Varner questioned why naming rights for the Hall have never been achieved, noting that for some reason the Hall has not been chosen. Mayor Luecke stated that naming rights are for higher venues. Mr. Walls added that there may be a firm out there interested in naming rights and that that will be pursued. Council President Pfeifer inquired about the traveling van. August 23,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 7-